Netanyahu claims Israel responding to Gaza fire balloons as it does to rockets

Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks with local leaders in the Gaza border area amid rising tensions between Israel and the Hamas-ruled enclave.

In a statement from his office, Netanyahu is quoted claiming the government has adopted a policy to respond to blazes sparked by balloon-borne incendiary devices in the same way it treats rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

“Unfortunately, we’re preparing — if necessary — for the possibility of a round or rounds [of fighting]. I hope we don’t get to that,” he says.

He also warns Hamas it’ll be a “very big mistake” on its part if arson attacks from the Strip continue.

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